``Results are being shown in actual matches. The content is very good,'' said Akifu Okada, manager of the Hanshin Professional Baseball team, who praised Ukyo Maekawa, a 20-year-old third-year high school graduate. He continues to use his unique batting skills to win a regular spot in the outfield on Japan's No. 1 team.
Maekawa, 20, played in his first team game last season.
Manager Okada said at the camp held in Okinawa, ``Among the outfield regulars, the left and right fielders have not been decided,'' and the battle for fixed positions continues.
Under these circumstances, Maekawa, whose goal is to ``be a starter from the start of the season and finish as a first-team player,'' has tried not only his usual right field but also left field, and has so far played 9 games in 4 games, including the Red and White games and the practice match. He has achieved results such as six hits and three walks at bat.
The most appealing thing about him is his long-hitting power, and during batting practice on the 19th, he caught a powerful fastball from pitcher Javy Guerra, a new foreign pitcher whose characteristic is a fastball of around 160km/h, and hit the ball directly against the fence in right field. Ta.
Regarding his batting thus far, Coach Okada said, ``I'm seeing results in actual matches, and more than anything, I've been able to hang on even with fouls and choose four-balls.I can see the awareness of making connections, and the content is really good.'' Masu.
Maekawa said, ``I have the mindset to play for the team even if it means sacrificing myself.It's natural for me to get results with my batting, but I also do my best on defense and base running, and work hard every day. I want to play,'' he said, showing his determination to become a regular outfielder, a position in which competition is fierce.